The Best of Brad Warner
Brad Warner is an American Zen teacher in the Soto tradition. I first came across his book Hardcore Zen several years ago, while I was searching for books with zen in the title. I downloaded the audiobook and didn't successfully finish it. In hindsight, I was caught up in my own ideas of what zen was and what zen teachers should be like. I also didn't think much of Brad's style. My zen journey continued, and some years later, I came across one of his videos on YouTube. Now with a much deeper appreciation for zen, I was able to hear and see his work differently. In the years since I have come to appreciate his style of zen teaching and for his exceptional modern translations and commentaries on the work of Eihei Dōgen.
I love Brad's books on Dōgen's writing, in particular, There Is No God and He Is Always With You, Don't Be a Jerk and It Came from Beyond Zen. These stand out as stunning pieces of writing. I appreciate his efforts to make Dōgens work accessible to non-Buddhist scholars. As much as I would like to think I will get a copy of one of the Shōbōgenzō translations, I think the chances are slim. Brad's translations, personal stories, and commentaries add depth, colour and clarity to Dōgen's work in a way I hope Dōgen would have appreciated. I am in the Sanbo Zen school of zen and Dogen's work isn't heavily studied, and so being exposed to him by reading Brad's work has been a gift. I have fond memories of listening to his books on long-haul flights, just me, Brad and Dōgen together in the sky.
It was also on flights when I first watched Brad's YouTube videos (I had downloaded them before boarding). Most of his videos are un-edited and vary widely in their content. Covering everything from Is Buddhism a Religion (one of his earlier videos) to Spiritual Awakening is Bullshit to What is Sentience. Most of his videos are in response to viewer-submitted questions. I think Brad's videos are considered, funny and honest. I have put together a selection of my favourite Brad YouTube videos.
While Brad publishes videos, he is primarily a writer and his website reflects this with over 1,200 blog posts. I have only read a scattering of these posts. A few articles I have enjoyed recently include: How Can I Get My Friends and Family Into Zen?, How Good Spiritual Teachers Go Bad and Belief.
He founded the Angel City Zen Center in Los Angeles, and this group has a podcast in which Brad frequently appears. The podcast is a recording of the talks given at the zen centre. Some top favourites include Mind Makes Time, Everything is New (The Big Birthday Cake of Realization) and A Theory of Everything. If you're listening to the podcast, be sure to check out the other speakers. I particularly enjoyed the talk Is This Working from Dave Cuomo.
When I reflect on Brad, I think of him as an old friend. I have never met him, emailed him or had any communication with him, but I have heard his voice and seen him for many hours. I understand he is contentious and has had his fair share of controversies. With all of this, I appreciate his contribution to my life and to his efforts in promoting zen.
I look forward to reading what he will publish next.
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